Allahu Akbar (God is Greater): Difference between revisions
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[[File:Malaysia Allah for Muslims only.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]The phrase '''Allahu Akbar''' (الله أكبر) is a common phrase used by Muslims in various situations, including the [[Salah]] (obligatory five [[prayers]] a day) and has even been used in the past by some [[non-Muslims]] as a show of support or in reference to the common Abrahamic god. It is widely | [[File:Malaysia Allah for Muslims only.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]The phrase '''Allahu Akbar''' (الله أكبر) is a common phrase used by Muslims in various situations, including the [[Salah]] (obligatory five [[prayers]] a day) and has even been used in the past by some [[non-Muslims]] as a show of support or in reference to the common Abrahamic god. It is widely used for a multitude of reason by Muslims, including some Muslims who shout it whilst engaged in [[Jihad|Jihad]]. The literal translation of this phrase from [[Arabic]] means "God is greatest!" The phrase has a unique history in [[Islam and Scripture|scripture]] and its early use and conception. | ||
==Difference between Allah and Ilah== | ==Difference between Allah and Ilah== | ||
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'''Literal:''' I testify that there is no <font color="blue">god</font> but <font color="red">Allah</font> and I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of <font color="red">Allah</font>.}} | '''Literal:''' I testify that there is no <font color="blue">god</font> but <font color="red">Allah</font> and I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of <font color="red">Allah</font>.}} | ||
The phrase is commonly mistakenly translated to "There is no god but God." However, | The phrase is commonly mistakenly translated to "There is no god but God." However, Muslims often consider the name Allah as a proper noun, as opposed to a common noun descriptive applicable to any deity. Allah is can be seen as not simply the word for 'god' in Arabic (although many Arabic speakers see it this way), but as the ''name'' of Islam's deity. See [[Allah]] | ||
{{Quote|[http://bewley.virtualave.net/Riscreeds.html The Risala of 'Abdullah ibn Abi Zayd al-Qayrawani]<BR>A Treatise on Maliki Fiqh (Including commentary from ath-Thamr ad-Dani by al-Azhari)(310/922 - 386/996)|['''1.1a'''] The belief that Allah is One is the fundamental basis of Islam, and when Divine Unity is expressed, '''the name "Allah" must be used. It is not permissible to say, "There is no god but the Almighty"''' or use any other names except Allah for the shahada. Nothing at all resembles Him or is equal to Him.}} | {{Quote|[http://bewley.virtualave.net/Riscreeds.html The Risala of 'Abdullah ibn Abi Zayd al-Qayrawani]<BR>A Treatise on Maliki Fiqh (Including commentary from ath-Thamr ad-Dani by al-Azhari)(310/922 - 386/996)|['''1.1a'''] The belief that Allah is One is the fundamental basis of Islam, and when Divine Unity is expressed, '''the name "Allah" must be used. It is not permissible to say, "There is no god but the Almighty"''' or use any other names except Allah for the shahada. Nothing at all resembles Him or is equal to Him.}} | ||
===Akbar=== | ===Akbar=== | ||
''' | Akbar is an example of what in Arabic is know as ism al-tafdil اسم التفضيل which is a form of the adjective which carries both the comparative and the supperlative meaning, in this case meaning both "greater (than)" and "greatest." 'Akbar' in English is thus translated 'greater,' not 'great' (as "greater" usually wouldn't make sense, the comparison is to everythi9ng). | ||
'''Great''' = <font size="6"><font color="red">كبير</font></font><font size="4"> (</font>Kebir<font size="4">)</font> | '''Great''' = <font size="6"><font color="red">كبير</font></font><font size="4"> (</font>Kebir<font size="4">)</font> | ||
''' | '''Greates''' = <font size="6"><font color="blue">أكبر</font></font><font size="4"> (</font>Akbar<font size="4">)</font> | ||
====Evidence==== | ====Evidence==== | ||
Kebir and akbar are not interchangeable words. For evidence, | Kebir and akbar are not interchangeable words. For evidence, one need only look to the Qur'an. Both kebir (great) and akbar (greater) are used in the following verse: | ||
{{Quote|{{Qtt|2|219}}|2= | {{Quote|{{Qtt|2|219}}|2= | ||
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====Lane's Lexicon and Other Sources==== | ====Lane's Lexicon and Other Sources==== | ||
Lane's Lexicon, the most | Lane's Lexicon, perhaps the most respected scholarly dictionary of the (classical) Arabic language in English, confirms the majority view is that "Allahu Akbar" refers to Allah being "greatest". Unlike in its early years, so does Wikipedia, stating the phrase literally means "God is greater". But is usually translated "God is [the] Greatest," or "God is Great".<ref>{{cite web |url= http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takbir|title= Takbir|publisher= Wikipedia|author= |date= accessed August 4, 2013|archiveurl= http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FTakbir&date=2013-08-04|deadurl=no}}</ref> Similarly, Pierre Tristam, the Lebanese-American About.com Guide states, although most often translated as "god is great," Allahu Akbar is Arabic for "god is greater," or "god is greatest."<ref>{{cite web|url= http://middleeast.about.com/od/a/g/allahu-akbar-definition.htm|title= Allahu Akbar|publisher= Middle East Issues (About.com)|author= Pierre Tristam|date= accessed August 4, 2013|archiveurl= http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmiddleeast.about.com%2Fod%2Fa%2Fg%2Fallahu-akbar-definition.htm&date=2013-08-04|deadurl=no}}</ref> Many news sources and other web resources are now also beginning to use the more correct translation. | ||
====Used in Context by Muhammad==== | ====Used in Context by Muhammad==== | ||
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"Allahu Akbar" has been used historically by Muslims as a battle cry during war.<ref name="Ludwig W. Adamec">Ludwig W. Adamec, "Historical Dictionary of Islam", Scarecrow Press, 2<sup>nd</sup> ed. 2009, p. 32</ref> This precedent was set by Prophet [[Muhammad]] when he attacked the Jews of Khaibar. | "Allahu Akbar" has been used historically by Muslims as a battle cry during war.<ref name="Ludwig W. Adamec">Ludwig W. Adamec, "Historical Dictionary of Islam", Scarecrow Press, 2<sup>nd</sup> ed. 2009, p. 32</ref> This precedent was set by Prophet [[Muhammad]] when he attacked the Jews of Khaibar. | ||
In the following [[sahih]] [[hadith]], you can see the phrase | In the following [[sahih]] [[hadith]], you can see the phrase in this use: | ||
{{Quote|{{Bukhari|||2945|darussalam}}|Narrated Anas: | {{Quote|{{Bukhari|||2945|darussalam}}|Narrated Anas: | ||
The Prophet set out for Khaibar and reached it at night. He used not to attack if he reached the people at night, till the day broke. So, when the day dawned, the Jews came out with their bags and spades. When they saw the Prophet; they said, "Muhammad and his army!" '''The Prophet said, Allahu--Akbar! (Allah is Greater)''' and Khaibar is ruined, for whenever we approach a nation (i.e. enemy to fight) then it will be a miserable morning for those who have been warned."}} | The Prophet set out for Khaibar and reached it at night. He used not to attack if he reached the people at night, till the day broke. So, when the day dawned, the Jews came out with their bags and spades. When they saw the Prophet; they said, "Muhammad and his army!" '''The Prophet said, Allahu--Akbar! (Allah is Greater)''' and Khaibar is ruined, for whenever we approach a nation (i.e. enemy to fight) then it will be a miserable morning for those who have been warned."}} | ||
Here are a few more quotes which use the phrase "Allahu Akbar". | Here are a few more quotes which use the phrase "Allahu Akbar". | ||
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The phrase Allahu Akbar (الله أكبر) is a common phrase used by Muslims in various situations, including the Salah (obligatory five prayers a day) and has even been used in the past by some non-Muslims as a show of support or in reference to the common Abrahamic god. It is widely used for a multitude of reason by Muslims, including some Muslims who shout it whilst engaged in Jihad. The literal translation of this phrase from Arabic means "God is greatest!" The phrase has a unique history in scripture and its early use and conception.
Difference between Allah and Ilah
Allah = الله (alif ا, lam ل, lam ل, ha ه)
ilah = اله (alif ا, lam ل, ha ه)
The Shahadah is one of the five pillars of Islam, and is recited by all Muslims:
Arabic: أشهد أن لا إله إلاَّ الله و أشهد أن محمد رسول الله
Transliteration: ašhadu ʾanla ilāha illal-Lāh, wa ʾašhadu ʾanna muḥammadan rasūlul-Lāh
Literal: I testify that there is no god but Allah and I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.The phrase is commonly mistakenly translated to "There is no god but God." However, Muslims often consider the name Allah as a proper noun, as opposed to a common noun descriptive applicable to any deity. Allah is can be seen as not simply the word for 'god' in Arabic (although many Arabic speakers see it this way), but as the name of Islam's deity. See Allah
[1.1a] The belief that Allah is One is the fundamental basis of Islam, and when Divine Unity is expressed, the name "Allah" must be used. It is not permissible to say, "There is no god but the Almighty" or use any other names except Allah for the shahada. Nothing at all resembles Him or is equal to Him.
The Risala of 'Abdullah ibn Abi Zayd al-Qayrawani
A Treatise on Maliki Fiqh (Including commentary from ath-Thamr ad-Dani by al-Azhari)(310/922 - 386/996)
A Treatise on Maliki Fiqh (Including commentary from ath-Thamr ad-Dani by al-Azhari)(310/922 - 386/996)
Akbar
Akbar is an example of what in Arabic is know as ism al-tafdil اسم التفضيل which is a form of the adjective which carries both the comparative and the supperlative meaning, in this case meaning both "greater (than)" and "greatest." 'Akbar' in English is thus translated 'greater,' not 'great' (as "greater" usually wouldn't make sense, the comparison is to everythi9ng).
Great = كبير (Kebir)
Greates = أكبر (Akbar)
Evidence
Kebir and akbar are not interchangeable words. For evidence, one need only look to the Qur'an. Both kebir (great) and akbar (greater) are used in the following verse:
Original Arabic script:
يسالونك عن الخمر والميسر قل فيها اثمتتفكرون كبير ومنافع للناس واثمهما اكبر من نفعهما ويسالونك ماذا ينفقون قل العفو كذلك يبين الله لكم الايات لعلكم
Transliteration:
Yas-aloonaka AAani alkhamri waalmaysiriqul feehima ithmun kabeerun wamanafiAAu lilnnasiwa-ithmuhuma akbaru min nafAAihima wayas-aloonaka mathayunfiqoona quli alAAafwa kathalika yubayyinu Allahulakumu al-ayati laAAallakum tatafakkaroona
Yusuf Ali:
They ask thee concerning wine and gambling. Say: "In them is great sin, and some profit, for men; but the sin is greater than the profit." They ask thee how much they are to spend; Say: "What is beyond your needs." Thus doth Allah Make clear to you His Signs: In order that ye may consider- [1]Allahu Akbar
Lane's Lexicon and Other Sources
Lane's Lexicon, perhaps the most respected scholarly dictionary of the (classical) Arabic language in English, confirms the majority view is that "Allahu Akbar" refers to Allah being "greatest". Unlike in its early years, so does Wikipedia, stating the phrase literally means "God is greater". But is usually translated "God is [the] Greatest," or "God is Great".[2] Similarly, Pierre Tristam, the Lebanese-American About.com Guide states, although most often translated as "god is great," Allahu Akbar is Arabic for "god is greater," or "god is greatest."[3] Many news sources and other web resources are now also beginning to use the more correct translation.
Used in Context by Muhammad
"Allahu Akbar" has been used historically by Muslims as a battle cry during war.[4] This precedent was set by Prophet Muhammad when he attacked the Jews of Khaibar.
In the following sahih hadith, you can see the phrase in this use:
Narrated Anas:
The Prophet set out for Khaibar and reached it at night. He used not to attack if he reached the people at night, till the day broke. So, when the day dawned, the Jews came out with their bags and spades. When they saw the Prophet; they said, "Muhammad and his army!" The Prophet said, Allahu--Akbar! (Allah is Greater) and Khaibar is ruined, for whenever we approach a nation (i.e. enemy to fight) then it will be a miserable morning for those who have been warned."
Here are a few more quotes which use the phrase "Allahu Akbar".
Yahya related to me from Malik from Abu Ubayd, the mawla of Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik, from Ata ibn Yazid al-Laythi that Abu Hurayra said, "Whoever says 'Glory be to Allah' (Subhana'llah) thirty-three times and 'Allah is Greater' (Allahu akbar) thirty-three times and 'Praise be to Allah' (al-hamdu lillah) thirty-three times, and seals the hundred with 'There is no god but Allah, alone without any partner. The Kingdom and praise belong to Him and He has power over everything' (La ilaha illa'llah, wahdahu la sharika lah, lahu'l mulku wa lahu'l hamd, wa huwa ala kulli shay'in qadir) after every prayer will have his wrong actions forgiven him even if they are abundant as the foam on the sea."
Yahya related to me from Malik from Hisham ibn Urwa that his father never brought food or drink, nor even a remedy which he ate or drank but that he said, "Praise be to Allah who has guided us and fed us and given us to drink and blessed us. Allah is greater. O Allah! We have found Your blessing with every evil, give us every good in the morning and evening. We ask You for its completion and its gratitude. There is no good except Your good. There is no god other than You, the God of the salihun and the Lord of the Worlds. Praise be to Allah. There is no god but Allah. What Allah wills. There is no power except in Allah. O Allah! Bless us in what You have provided us with and protect us from the punishment of the Fire!"
See also
References
- ↑ Quran root browser - ك ب ر - k-b-r
- ↑ "Takbir", Wikipedia, accessed August 4, 2013 (archived), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takbir.
- ↑ Pierre Tristam, "Allahu Akbar", Middle East Issues (About.com), accessed August 4, 2013 (archived), http://middleeast.about.com/od/a/g/allahu-akbar-definition.htm.
- ↑ Ludwig W. Adamec, "Historical Dictionary of Islam", Scarecrow Press, 2nd ed. 2009, p. 32